Loving Sunday at Glacier Ridge Metro Park is Priceless

Living day by day, and week to week during the school year managing sports, and meetings, and appointments and work , it seems families can get caught up in the busy schedule and often forget about spending quality time together.

My family is no different.

Red Oak Trail, Glacier Ridge Metro Park

This weekend was unusual for us in that it was chock full of sporting events, appointments, weddings and parties; we really didn’t have any down time to hang out and relax as a family.

There was a house full of chores to be done … I decided to live on the edge, forgo the laundry, abandon the grocery list, and step over the vacuum cleaner to head out the door with my kiddo for some fun, free time and fresh air.

Sometimes spending time with family doesn’t need to cost much or be planful.

Sometimes, simply getting out of the house is all it takes.

Sometimes a simple decision to visit Glacier Ridge Metro Park (named for the end moraine that was left behind when the Wisconsin Glacier retreated some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago) is just plain awesome!

One reason we enjoy this park is the close parking to the trail heads, the clean restrooms and the good conditions of the play structure.

Red Oak Trail Head, Glacier Ridge Metro Park

Today, we decided to walk the short .8 mile Red Oak Trail since we were short on energy. Nonetheless, it gave us just what we needed to recharge and mentally prepare for the new week.

Glacier Ridge Metro Park Entrance

Another reason we enjoy this Metro Park is the diverse recreation option. While we were walking, many other families were cycling and walking their dogs.

After our hike, we then choose to visit the observation tower,

then we walked the board walk,

and then counted frogs & turtles at the Honda Wetlands Education Area.

Remember, sometimes as families we just need to stop and breathe. It is OK to take in our local scenery and enjoy the less hectic moments spending time with family. Don’t hesitate to check out the local parks in your area for times like these.

After all moments like these are free or charge, but it is these moments that are priceless.